U.S. patent application number 16/750776 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-29 for system and method for 4g automatic link establishment protocol enhancement.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rockwell Collins, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ho Ting Cheng.
Application Number | 20210235514 16/750776 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004610430 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210235514 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cheng; Ho Ting |
July 29, 2021 |
System and Method for 4G Automatic Link Establishment Protocol
Enhancement
Abstract
A method for 4G Automatic Link Establishment protocol
enhancement may include, but is not limited to, determining a first
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value with a called participating unit
(called PU) from a first protocol data unit (PDU) including a first
number of transmit level control (TLC) blocks transmitted by a
calling participating unit (calling PU), determining a second SNR
value corresponding to the first SNR value from a lookup table
stored on the called PU, determining a third SNR value with the
calling PU from a second PDU including a second number of TLC
blocks transmitted by the called PU, determining a fourth SNR value
corresponding to the third SNR value from a lookup table stored on
the calling PU, and determining a fifth SNR value with the called
PU from a third PDU including a third number of TLC blocks
transmitted by the calling PU.
Inventors: |
Cheng; Ho Ting;
(Stittsville, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rockwell Collins, Inc. |
Cedar Rapids |
IA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004610430 |
Appl. No.: |
16/750776 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 76/10 20180201;
H04L 45/745 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 76/10 20060101
H04W076/10; H04L 12/741 20060101 H04L012/741 |
Claims
1. A method for 4G Automatic Link Establishment protocol
enhancement, comprising: receiving a first protocol data unit (PDU)
including a first number of transmit level control (TLC) blocks for
an Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) handshake from a calling
participating unit (calling PU), the first PDU leading to a first
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value being determined by a called
participating unit (called PU); determining a second SNR value
corresponding to the first SNR value of the first PDU from a stored
lookup table of the called PU; transmitting a second PDU including
a second number of TLC blocks for the ALE handshake to the calling
PU following the receipt of the first PDU, the second PDU leading
to a third SNR value being determined by the calling PU; and
receiving a third PDU including a third number of TLC blocks for
the ALE handshake from the calling PU following the transmission of
the second PDU, the third PDU including a fourth SNR value, the
third PDU leading to a fifth SNR value being determined by the
called PU.
2. The method of claim 1, a call linking time with the calling PU
being dependent on at least one of the first number of TLC blocks
in the first PDU, the second number of TLC blocks in the second
PDU, or the third number of TLC blocks in the third PDU.
3. The method of claim 2, the call linking time being reduced with
at least one of a low number of TLC blocks for the first number of
TLC blocks in the first PDU, a low number of TLC blocks for the
second number of TLC blocks in the second PDU, or a low number of
TLC blocks for the third number of TLC blocks in the third PDU.
4. The method of claim 2, a data transfer rate with the calling PU
being dependent on at least one of the second SNR value in an SNR
field of the second PDU or the fourth SNR value in an SNR field of
the third PDU.
5. The method of claim 4, the call linking time being reduced with
a low number of TLC blocks for the second number of TLC blocks in
the second PDU.
6. The method of claim 4, the call linking time being reduced with
a low number of TLC blocks for the third number of TLC blocks in
the third PDU.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: acquiring the lookup
table.
8. The method of claim 7, the lookup table being prepopulated.
9. The method of claim 8, the lookup table being prepopulated with
simulated data.
10. The method of claim 7, the lookup table being generated from
over-the-air measurements.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: applying a scaling
factor when determining the second SNR value corresponding to the
first SNR value of the first PDU.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting the
first PDU including the first number of TLC blocks for the ALE
handshake to the called PU, the first PDU leading to the first SNR
value being determined by the called PU; receiving the second PDU
including the second number of TLC blocks for the ALE handshake
from the called PU following the transmission of the first PDU, the
second PDU including the second SNR value, the second PDU leading
to the third SNR value being determined by the calling PU;
determining the fourth SNR value corresponding to the third SNR
value of the second PDU from a stored lookup table of the calling
PU; and transmitting the third PDU including the third number of
TLC blocks for the ALE handshake to the called PU following the
receipt of the second PDU, the third PDU including the fourth SNR
value, the third PDU leading to the fifth SNR value being
determined by the called PU.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: applying a scaling
factor when determining the fourth SNR value corresponding to the
third SNR value of the second PDU from the stored lookup table of
the calling PU.
14. A method for 4G Automatic Link Establishment protocol
enhancement, comprising: transmitting a first protocol data unit
(PDU) including a first number of transmit level control (TLC)
blocks for an Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) handshake to a
called participating unit (PU), the first PDU leading to a first
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value being determined by the called
PU; receiving a second PDU including a second number of TLC blocks
for the ALE handshake from the called PU following the transmission
of the first PDU, the second PDU including a second SNR value, the
second PDU leading to a third SNR value being determined by a
calling PU; determining a fourth SNR value corresponding to the
third SNR value of the second PDU from a stored lookup table of the
calling PU; and transmitting a third PDU including a third number
of TLC blocks for the ALE handshake to the called PU following the
receipt of the second PDU, the third PDU including the fourth SNR
value, the third PDU leading to a fifth SNR value being determined
by the called PU.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: receiving the first
PDU including the first number of TLC blocks for the ALE handshake
from the calling PU, the first PDU leading to the first SNR value
being determined by the called PU; determining the second SNR value
corresponding to the first SNR value of the first PDU from a stored
lookup table of the called PU; transmitting the second PDU
including the second number of TLC blocks for the ALE handshake to
the calling PU following the receipt of the first PDU, the second
PDU leading to the third SNR value being determined by the calling
PU; and receiving the third PDU including the third number of TLC
blocks for the ALE handshake from the calling PU following the
transmission of the second PDU, the third PDU including the fourth
SNR value, the third PDU leading to the fifth SNR value being
determined by the called PU.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) is one option available
for establishing data communication between high frequency (HF)
radios. A link quality for data communication between HF radios may
be determined, at least in part, on a call linking time and a
selected data rate. The call linking time may be determined by a
length of an air frame during a three-way ALE handshake. The
selected data rate may be determined by a signal-to-noise ratio
(SNR) received during the ALE handshake.
SUMMARY
[0002] A method for 4G Automatic Link Establishment protocol
enhancement is disclosed, in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure. The method may include, but is not
limited to, receiving a first protocol data unit (PDU) including a
first number of transmit level control (TLC) blocks for an
Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) handshake from a calling
participating unit (calling PU). The first PDU may lead to a first
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value being determined by a called
participating unit (called PU). The method may include, but is not
limited to, determining a second SNR value corresponding to the
first SNR value of the first PDU from a stored lookup table of the
called PU. The method may include, but is not limited to,
transmitting a second PDU including the second number of TLC blocks
for the ALE handshake to the calling PU following the receipt of
the first PDU. The second PDU may lead to a third SNR value being
determined by the calling PU. The method may include, but is not
limited to, receiving a third PDU including a third number of TLC
blocks for the ALE handshake from the calling PU following the
transmission of the second PDU. The third PDU may include a fourth
SNR value. The third PDU may lead to a fifth SNR value being
determined by the called PU.
[0003] In some embodiments, a call linking time with the calling PU
may be dependent on at least one of the first number of TLC blocks
in the first PDU, the second number of TLC blocks in the second
PDU, or the third number of TLC blocks in the third PDU.
[0004] In some embodiments, the call linking time may be reduced
with at least one of a low number of TLC blocks for the first
number of TLC blocks in the first PDU, a low number of TLC blocks
for the second number of TLC blocks in the second PDU, or a low
number of TLC blocks for the third number of TLC blocks in the
third PDU.
[0005] In some embodiments, a data transfer rate with the calling
PU may be dependent on at least one of the second SNR value in an
SNR field of the second PDU or the fourth SNR value in an SNR field
of the third PDU.
[0006] In some embodiments, the call linking time may be reduced
with a low number of TLC blocks for the second number of TLC blocks
in the second PDU.
[0007] In some embodiments, the call linking time may be reduced
with a low number of TLC blocks for the third number of TLC blocks
in the third PDU.
[0008] In some embodiments, the method may include, but is not
limited to, acquiring the lookup table.
[0009] In some embodiments, the lookup table may be
prepopulated.
[0010] In some embodiments, the lookup table may be prepopulated
with simulated data.
[0011] In some embodiments, the lookup table may be generated from
over-the-air measurements.
[0012] In some embodiments, the method may include, but is not
limited to, applying a scaling factor when determining the second
SNR value corresponding to the first SNR value of the first
PDU.
[0013] In some embodiments, the method may include, but is not
limited to, transmitting the first PDU including the first number
of TLC blocks for the ALE handshake to a called participating unit
(PU). The first PDU may lead to the first signal-to-noise ratio
(SNR) value being determined by the called PU. The method may
include, but is not limited to, receiving the second PDU including
the second number of TLC blocks for the ALE handshake from the
called PU following the transmission of the first PDU. The second
PDU may include the second SNR value. The second PDU may lead to
the third SNR value being determined by the calling PU. The method
may include, but is not limited to, determining the fourth SNR
value corresponding to the third SNR value of the second PDU from a
stored lookup table of the calling PU. The method may include, but
is not limited to, transmitting the third PDU including the third
number of TLC blocks for the ALE handshake to the called PU
following the receipt of the second PDU. The third PDU may include
the fourth SNR value. The third PDU may lead to the fifth SNR value
being determined by the called PU.
[0014] In some embodiments, the method may include, but is not
limited to, applying a scaling factor when determining the fourth
SNR value corresponding to the third SNR value of the second PDU
from the stored lookup table of the calling PU.
[0015] A method for 4G Automatic Link Establishment protocol
enhancement is disclosed, in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure. The method may include, but is not
limited to, transmitting a first protocol data unit (PDU) including
a first number of transmit level control (TLC) blocks for an
Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) handshake to a called
participating unit (PU). The first PDU may lead to a first
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value being determined by the called
PU. The method may include, but is not limited to, receiving a
second PDU including a second number of TLC blocks for the ALE
handshake from the called PU following the transmission of the
first PDU. The second PDU may include the second SNR value. The
second PDU may lead to a third SNR value being determined by a
calling PU. The method may include, but is not limited to,
determining a fourth SNR value corresponding to the third SNR value
of the second PDU from a stored lookup table of the calling PU. The
method may include, but is not limited to, transmitting a third PDU
including the third number of TLC blocks for the ALE handshake to
the called PU following the receipt of the second PDU. The third
PDU may include the fourth SNR value. The third PDU may lead to a
fifth SNR value being determined by the called PU.
[0016] In some embodiments, the method may include, but is not
limited to, receiving the first PDU including the first number of
TLC blocks for the ALE handshake from a calling PU. The first SNR
value may be determined by the called PU. The method may include,
but is not limited to, determining the second SNR value
corresponding to the first SNR value of the first PDU from a stored
lookup table of the called PU. The method may include, but is not
limited to, transmitting the second PDU including the second number
of TLC blocks for the ALE handshake to the calling PU following the
receipt of the first PDU. The second PDU may lead to the third SNR
value being determined by the calling PU. The method may include,
but is not limited to, receiving the third PDU including the third
number of TLC blocks for the ALE handshake from the calling PU
following the transmission of the second PDU. The third PDU may
include the fourth SNR value. The third PDU may lead to the fifth
SNR value being determined by the called PU.
[0017] This Summary is provided solely as an introduction to
subject matter that is fully described in the Detailed Description
and Drawings. The Summary should not be considered to describe
essential features nor be used to determine the scope of the
Claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing
Summary and the following Detailed Description are examples and
explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the subject
matter claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The detailed description is described with reference to the
accompanying figures. The use of the same reference numbers in
different instances in the description and the figures may indicate
similar or identical items. Various embodiments or examples
("examples") of the present disclosure are disclosed in the
following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The
drawings are not necessarily to scale. In general, operations of
disclosed processes may be performed in an arbitrary order, unless
otherwise provided in the claims. In the drawings:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a method for a 4G
Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) link setup handshake, in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a 4G ALE air frame, in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a table illustrating a comparison between transmit
level control (TLC) blocks and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for a 4G
ALE handshake, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an environment in which a system and
method for 4G ALE protocol enhancement may be used, in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for 4G ALE
protocol enhancement, in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a table illustrating a comparison between an SNR
for a first set of TLC blocks and an SNR for a second set of TLC
blocks, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure; and
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an environment in
which a system and method for 4G ALE protocol enhancement may be
used, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to the subject matter
disclosed, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0027] Before explaining one or more embodiments of the disclosure
in detail, it is to be understood the embodiments are not limited
in their application to the details of construction and the
arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set forth
in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. In the
following detailed description of embodiments, numerous specific
details may be set forth in order to provide a more thorough
understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to
one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant
disclosure the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced
without some of these specific details. In other instances,
well-known features may not be described in detail to avoid
unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure.
[0028] As used herein a letter following a reference numeral is
intended to reference an embodiment of the feature or element that
may be similar, but not necessarily identical, to a previously
described element or feature bearing the same reference numeral
(e.g., 1, 1a, 1b). Such shorthand notations are used for purposes
of convenience only and should not be construed to limit the
disclosure in any way unless expressly stated to the contrary.
[0029] Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or"
refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example,
a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is
true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or
not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true
(or present).
[0030] In addition, use of "a" or "an" may be employed to describe
elements and components of embodiments disclosed herein. This is
done merely for convenience and "a" and "an" are intended to
include "one" or "at least one," and the singular also includes the
plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.
[0031] Finally, as used herein any reference to "one embodiment" or
"some embodiments" means that a particular element, feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment disclosed herein.
The appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" in various
places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment, and embodiments may include one or more of the
features expressly described or inherently present herein, or any
combination of sub-combination of two or more such features, along
with any other features which may not necessarily be expressly
described or inherently present in the instant disclosure.
[0032] FIGS. 1-7 generally illustrate a system and method for 4G
Automatic Link Establishment protocol enhancement, in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0033] Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) is one option available
for establishing 4G data communication between high frequency (HF)
radios. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical three-way (or three-leg) ALE
handshake 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0034] In a step 102 (or first (1st) leg), a Calling Participating
Unit (Calling PU) may determine whether an ALE channel to a Called
Participating Unit (Called PU) is available to receive data. If it
determines the ALE channel is unoccupied, the Calling PU may send a
Link Setup Request (LSU_Req) protocol data unit (PDU) (e.g.,
LSU_Req PDU) to a Called PU. For example, the LSU_Req PDU may
define the Calling PU and the Called PU, an available spectrum for
the channel and sub-channels, the Equipment Capability (EC) of the
Calling PU, and/or the type of data to be transferred.
[0035] The Called PU may evaluate the assigned frequency band of
the transmission channel (e.g., by measuring the signal-to-noise
ratio (SNR) of the assigned frequency band) with the receipt of the
LSU_Req PDU (e.g., SNR1). The SNR1 measured in the LSU_Req PDU may
be entered as func(SNR1) in an SNR field of a Link Setup Confirm
(LSU_Conf) protocol data unit (PDU) (e.g., LSU_Conf_1 PDU).
[0036] In a step 104 (or second (2nd) leg), the Called PU may
determine whether an ALE channel to the Calling PU is available to
receive data. If it determines the ALE channel is unoccupied, the
Called PU may send the LSU_Conf PDU (e.g., LSU_Conf_1 PDU). For
example, the LSU_Conf PDU may include the Equipment Capability (EC)
of the Called PU, transmission and receiving sub-channel vectors,
and the SNR1 measured in the LSU_Req PDU.
[0037] The Calling PU may evaluate the assigned frequency band of
the transmission channel (e.g., by measuring the signal-to-noise
ratio (SNR) of the assigned frequency band) with the receipt of the
LSU_Conf_1 PDU (e.g., SNR2). The SNR2 measured in the LSU_Conf_1
PDU may be entered as func(SNR2) in an SNR field of a second
LSU_Conf PDU (e.g., LSU_Conf_2 PDU).
[0038] In a step 106 (or third (3rd) leg), the Calling PU may send
the second LSU_Conf PDU (e.g., the LSU_Conf_2 PDU). For example,
the LSU_Conf_2 PDU may include the Equipment Capability (EC) of the
Called PU, transmission and receiving sub-channel vectors, and the
SNR2 measured in the LSU_Conf_1 PDU.
[0039] In a step 108a, user data may be transferred from the
Calling PU to the Called PU with a sending data rate based on
func(SNR1). In a step 108b, user data may be transferred from the
Called PU to the Calling PU with a sending data rate based on
func(SNR2).
[0040] Where either PU does not receive a timely response to a
transmitted PDU, the PU not receiving the timely response may
transmit an LSU_Termination (LSU_Term) PDU to terminate the link.
Where either PU determines there are not enough sub-channels, the
PU determining there are not enough sub-channels may transmit one
or more LSU_Term PDUs to terminate the link.
[0041] A link quality for data communication between HF radios may
be determined, at least in part, on a call linking time and a
selected data rate. In 4G ALE, balancing the call linking time and
the selected data rate may include reducing the call linking time
and selecting the highest data rate that may be supported by a HF
link for data transfer after a call is linked.
[0042] The call linking time may be determined by a length of an
air frame during the three-way ALE handshake 100. FIG. 2
illustrates an example air frame 200, in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the disclosure. The air frame 200 may be
defined by two or three blocks, the blocks including an optional,
variable Transmit Level Control (TLC) portion 202 including one or
more blocks (or zero blocks, where the air frame 200 does not
include the TLC portion), a fixed Preamble portion 204, and a fixed
Data portion 206. A shorter TLC portion 202 including a fewer
number of blocks may result in a faster call linking time, while a
longer TLC block 202 including a greater number of blocks may
result in a better representation of call link quality and an
increased call linking delay.
[0043] The selected data rate may be determined by a
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) received during the ALE handshake. In
one example, a 10 decibel (dB) SNR may be considered a poor value
for supporting data rate during data transfer, a 30 dB SNR may be
considered an acceptable value for supporting data rate during data
transfer, and a 50 dB SNR may be considered a great value for
supporting data rate during data transfer.
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a table 300 illustrating a comparison
between a number of TLC blocks 302 (with corresponding call linking
delay in milliseconds (ms)) and a resultant SNR value 304 (in dB)
over an Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) channel, in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As illustrated in
the table 300, an increased number of TLC blocks 302 may generally
result in an increased SNR value 304. In this regard, increasing
the number of TLC blocks 302 may increase the data transfer rate,
while also increasing the call linking delay.
[0045] To evaluate the call link quality, a select number of TLC
blocks 302 are used in transmission for stabilizing Automatic Level
Control (ALC) loops and Automatic Gain Control (AGC) loops, at the
expense of call linking delay. In practice, a small number of TLC
blocks (e.g., three blocks) may be necessary to stabilize the ALC
and AGC loops, allowing for a reduced ALE call linking time.
However, a large number of TLC blocks 302 may be necessary to
determine an SNR performance, which may result in an increased ALE
call linking time.
[0046] As such, it would be beneficial to provide a system and
method that uses a small number of TLC blocks 302 to quickly
establish a call link, while also using a large number of TLC
blocks 302 to determine an SNR performance that characterizes the
quality of the call link.
[0047] It is noted herein that ALE is a military standard described
in MIL-STD-188-141D, titled Interoperability and Performance
Standards for Medium and High Frequency Radio Systems, issued on
Dec. 22, 2017. Therefore, aspects of this invention may be
configured to and/or required to conform with the guidelines set
forth by MIL-STD-188-141D.
[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates an environment 400, in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0049] The environment 400 may include one or more aircraft 402,
where each of the one or more aircraft 402 may include a radio 404.
For example, where there are two aircraft 402, a first aircraft 402
may transmit data 406 to a second aircraft 402, and the second
aircraft 402 may transmit data 408 to the first aircraft 402. The
data transmission may follow a three-way handshake (e.g., as
described with respect to FIG. 1).
[0050] Although embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate
communication occurring between two aircraft 402, it is noted
herein the communication may occur between any number of aircraft
402, either in parallel or in series (e.g., chained communication).
Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a
limitation on the present disclosure but merely an
illustration.
[0051] Where the environment includes an avionics environment, it
is noted herein the system and method for 4G Automatic Link
Establishment protocol enhancement may be configured in accordance
with aviation guidelines and/or standards put forth by, but not
limited to, the Department of Defense (DoD), the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or
any other flight certification agency or organization; the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI), Aeronautical Radio,
Incorporated (ARINC), or any other standards setting organization
or company; the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA)
or any other guidelines agency or organization; or the like.
[0052] Although embodiments of the disclosure are directed to an
avionics environment, it is noted herein the system and method for
4G Automatic Link Establishment protocol enhancement may be
configured to operate in any type of vehicle known in the art. For
example, the vehicle may be any air, space, land, or water-based
personal equipment or vehicle; any air, space, land, or water-based
commercial equipment or vehicle; any air, space, land, or
water-based military equipment or vehicle known in the art.
Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a
limitation on the present disclosure but merely an
illustration.
[0053] Although embodiments of the present disclosure are directed
to a system and method for 4G Automatic Link Establishment protocol
enhancement being used with radios 404 installed within aircraft
402, it is noted herein the system and method for 4G Automatic Link
Establishment protocol enhancement may be coupled to and/or
configured to operate with any type of radio.
[0054] For example, the system and method for 4G Automatic Link
Establishment protocol enhancement may be implemented by one or
more unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control stations. The UAV
control station may be a standalone portable device. It is noted
herein, however, that the UAV control station may be housed within
and/or coupled to a facility or a moving vehicle (e.g., van, truck,
boat, spacecraft, other aircraft, or the like). In addition, it is
noted herein the UAV control station may be subject to the avionics
guidelines and/or standards as set forth above. Therefore, the
above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the
present disclosure but merely an illustration.
[0055] By way of another example, it is noted herein that
communication may occur between the aircraft 402 and a base station
410 (e.g., which may include a radio 404), with transmission of
data 406, 408 between the aircraft 402 and the base station 410. By
way of another example, it is noted herein that communication may
occur between the aircraft 402 and a satellite 412 (e.g., which may
include a radio 404), with transmission of data 406, 408 between
the aircraft 402 and the satellite 412.
[0056] By way of another example, the system and method for 4G
Automatic Link Establishment protocol enhancement may be coupled to
and/or configured to operate in a commercial or industrial
environment (e.g., in either a home or a business). Therefore, the
above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the
present disclosure but merely an illustration.
[0057] It is noted herein that transmission and receipt of data
within the environment 400 is not limited to the directions of the
data 406, 408 as illustrated in FIG. 4. In general, the data 406,
408 may be transmitted to and/or received by any device or
structure within the environment 400. Therefore, the above
description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the
present disclosure but merely an illustration.
[0058] FIG. 5 illustrates a method or process 500 for 4G Automatic
Link Establishment protocol enhancement, in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a lookup
table 600, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0059] In a step 502, a lookup table is acquired. The lookup table
may include data for transmit level control (TLC) block number and
corresponding signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The lookup table may be
prepopulated for one or more link profiles (e.g., through one or
more offline simulations/simulated data, through historical data,
or the like) offboard the aircraft 402 and stored within the radio
404 (e.g., within the Calling Participating Unit (Calling PU)
and/or within the Called Participating Unit (Called PU)). The
lookup table may be generated via one or more over-the-air
measurements and stored within the radio 404 (e.g., within a radio
404 of the Calling PU (e.g., including, but not limited to, a first
aircraft 402) and/or within a radio 404 of the Called PU (e.g.,
including, but not limited to, a second aircraft 402)).
[0060] In a link profile column 602, a list of SNR values for a
select number of TLC blocks is provided. For example, a link
profile may be defined by a particular number of TLC blocks, a
station, a frequency, a time of day, or other
values/variables/metrics. For instance, the lookup table 600 may
include multiple link profile columns representing typical high
frequency (HF) link profiles including, but not limited to, Comite
Consultatif International des Radiocommunications (CCIR) Poor, CCIR
Good, or the like. The link profile column 602 may include SNR
values defined for a small number of TLC blocks (e.g., 3 TLC
blocks), the small number of blocks selected so as to increase the
speed of ALE call linking in the ALE handshake.
[0061] In a mapped column 604, a list of SNR values for a
particular number of TLC blocks (e.g., 20 TLC blocks) is provided.
The mapped column 604 may include SNR values defined fora large
number of TLC blocks (e.g., 20 TLC blocks) so as to determine a
high data rate call link quality. It is noted herein the mapped
column 604 may include SNR values defined for a greater number of
TLC blocks than the number of TLC blocks represented in the link
profile column 602.
[0062] The alignment of the link profile column 602 and the mapped
column 604 may allow for the corresponding of values within the
link profile column 602 and values within the mapped column 604
(e.g., 2 with 10, 12 with 20, and the like, as illustrated in FIG.
6).
[0063] It is noted herein the lookup table 600 may include multiple
corresponding link profile columns 602 that may correspond to the
mapped column 604. In addition, it is noted herein the lookup table
600 may include multiple mapped columns 604. Further, it is noted
herein the lookup table 600 may be one of multiple lookup tables
600. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as
a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an
illustration.
[0064] It is noted herein one or more of the link profile column
602, the mapped column 604, and/or the lookup table 600 may be
determined by a modem dynamically. For example, which link profile
column 602, mapped column 604, and/or lookup table 600 may be
determined by a user through a selection of an operation parameter.
By way of another example, the link profile column 602, the mapped
column 604, and/or the lookup table 600 may be updated with new
offline simulations/simulated data and/or with on-the-fly
measurement calculations. Therefore, the above description should
not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but
merely an illustration.
[0065] In a step 504a, a protocol data unit (PDU) including a
select number of TLC blocks for an Automatic Link Establishment
(ALE) handshake is transmitted. In a step 504b, a protocol data
unit (PDU) including a select number of TLC blocks for an Automatic
Link Establishment (ALE) handshake is received. The PDU may include
a Link Setup Request (LSU_Req) PDU. The select number of TLC blocks
may correspond to a particular link profile column 602 of the
lookup table 600.
[0066] In a step 506, a first SNR value of the received PDU is
determined, and a second SNR value corresponding to the first SNR
value is determined. The first PDU may lead to the first SNR value.
For example, the first SNR value may be decoded from the LSU_Req
PDU. The second SNR value corresponding to the first SNR value of
the first PDU (i.e., the LSU_Req PDU) may be located within the
mapped column 604 of the lookup table 600. For example, the second
SNR value may be interpolated or extrapolated before being located
within the mapped column 604.
[0067] For example, a received 3 TLC-block signal with a 12 dB SNR
may correspond to a 20 TLC-block signal with a 20 dB SNR, per the
lookup table 600. Based on this, a 3 TLC-block signal may be
transmitted to the Called PU where a 12 dB SNR is measured for the
first SNR value (e.g., the radio 404 of the second aircraft 402) to
reduce the call linking time, and a 20 dB SNR value (that is
equivalent to a 20-TLC block signal) may be entered into an SNR
field of the second PDU as the second SNR value sent back to the
Calling PU (e.g., the radio 404 of the first aircraft 402) to
increase the data link quality of the linked call.
[0068] It is noted herein that the steps 504a, 504b may be
considered a first (1st) leg of the process 500. In addition, it is
noted herein that the steps 504a, 504b, 506 may be considered the
first leg of the process 500. Therefore, the above description
should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the
disclosure but merely an illustration.
[0069] In a step 508a, a protocol data unit (PDU) including a
select number of TLC blocks for an Automatic Link Establishment
(ALE) handshake is transmitted. In a step 508b, a protocol data
unit (PDU) including a select number of TLC blocks for an Automatic
Link Establishment (ALE) handshake is received. The PDU may include
a Link Setup Confirm (LSU_Conf) PDU (e.g., LSU_Conf_1 PDU). The
second SNR value may be stored in an SNR field of the LSU_Conf_1
PDU. The select number of TLC blocks may correspond to the link
profile column 602 of the lookup table 600.
[0070] In a step 510, a third SNR value of the received second PDU
is determined, and a fourth SNR value corresponding to the third
SNR value is determined. The second PDU may lead to the third SNR
value. For example, the third SNR value may be decoded from the
LSU_Conf_1 PDU. The fourth SNR value corresponding to the third SNR
value of the received second PDU may be located within the mapped
column 604 of the lookup table 600. For example, the fourth SNR
value may be interpolated or extrapolated before being located
within the mapped column 604.
[0071] It is noted herein that the steps 508a, 508b may be
considered a second (2nd) leg of the process 500. In addition, it
is noted herein that the steps 508a, 508b, 510 may be considered
the second leg of the process 500. Therefore, the above description
should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the
disclosure but merely an illustration.
[0072] In a step 512a, a protocol data unit (PDU) including a
select number of TLC blocks for an Automatic Link Establishment
(ALE) handshake is transmitted. In a step 512b, a protocol data
unit (PDU) including a select number of TLC blocks for an Automatic
Link Establishment (ALE) handshake is received. The PDU may include
a Link Setup Confirm (LSU_Conf) PDU (e.g., an LSU_Conf_2 PDU). The
fourth SNR value may be stored in an SNR field of the LSU_Conf_2
PDU. The select number of TLC blocks may correspond to the mapped
column 604 of the lookup table 600.
[0073] In a step 514, a fifth SNR value of the received third PDU
is determined. The third PDU may lead to the fifth SNR value. For
example, the fifth SNR value may be decoded from the LSU_Conf_2
PDU.
[0074] It is noted herein that the steps 512a, 512b may be
considered a third (3rd) leg of the process 500. In addition, it is
noted herein that the steps 512a, 512b, 514 may be considered the
third leg of the process 500. Therefore, the above description
should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the
disclosure but merely an illustration.
[0075] Between the LSU_Conf_1 PDU and the LSU_Conf_2 PDU, the
Calling PU radio 404 and the Called PU radio 404 may successfully
negotiate a call data rate. The first SNR value may be measured by
decoding the first PDU at the Called PU, and the second SNR value
may be obtained based on the decoded first SNR value via the lookup
table 600 at the Called PU. The third SNR value may be measured by
decoding the second PDU at the Calling PDU, and the fourth SNR
value may be obtained based on the decoded third SNR value via the
lookup table 600 at the Calling PU. The fifth SNR value may be
measured by decoding the third PDU at the Called PU.
[0076] In this regard, the process to negotiate the call data rate
may be considerably shortened with the use of the lookup table 600
and the reduced call linking time caused by the use of a smaller
number of TLC blocks used within the LSU_Req PDU prior to the
determination of the SNR value included in the LSU_Conf_1 PDU.
[0077] In addition, it noted herein the select number of TLC blocks
used in the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg of the
process 500 may be the same. For example, 3 TLC blocks may be used
in the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg. In general,
the process 500 may use the same low number of TLC blocks in the
first leg, the second leg, and the third leg. However, the process
500 may use a different select number of TLC blocks in the first
leg, the second leg, and/or the third leg. Therefore, the above
description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope
of the disclosure but merely an illustration.
[0078] The process 500 is not limited to the steps and/or sub-steps
provided. The process 500 may include more or fewer steps and/or
sub-steps. The process 500 may perform the steps and/or sub-steps
simultaneously. The process 500 may perform the steps and/or
sub-steps sequentially, including in the order provided or an order
other than provided. Therefore, the above description should not be
interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but
merely an illustration.
[0079] It is noted herein the process 500 may be at least partially
enabled or disabled. For example, a scaling factor may be applied
when determining the second SNR value corresponding to the first
SNR value of the first PDU (e.g., from the stored lookup table 600
of the called PU). By way of another example, a scaling factor may
be applied when determining the fourth SNR value corresponding to
the third SNR value of the second PDU (e.g., from the stored lookup
table 600 of the calling PU). A scaling factor may be applied with
a value between 0 and 1, where 0 means "disabled" and 1 means
"enabled." A value between 0 and 1 may partially activate the
process 500 when determining a corresponding SNR value from the
stored lookup table. For example, a 2 dB SNR may scale to 10 dB SNR
at 100%, or scaling factor equals "1", while a 2 dB SNR may scale
to 6 dB SNR at 50%.
[0080] In addition, it is noted herein the duration of an actual
over-the air data transmission may be shortened without incurring
any additional delay in ALE call linking time once a call is
linked. In addition, it is noted herein that the determined call
rate may be fixed for data transfer of a small amount of data where
the transmission is within a coherence time period, but that
renegotiating the data rate may be necessary for larger amounts of
data. In this regard, the same process 500 using the lookup table
600 may employ the data rate renegotiation delay and determine the
highest possible data rate.
[0081] Further, it is noted herein that a SNR value received from a
control radio 404 may be transmitted back to the control radio
within the third PDU or LSU_Conf_2 value, the control radio 404
being co-located with a radio 404 under test that is using the
process 500. If the control radio 404 does not return the same SNR
value within its own third PDU or LSU_Conf_2 value, then the
control radio 404 is performing the process 500, similar to the
radio 404 under test.
[0082] Further, it is noted herein that the three-way ALE handshake
in FIG. 1 may be accomplished by setting the second SNR value equal
to the first SNR value, and setting the fourth SNR value equal to
the third SNR value, during the process 500.
[0083] Further, it is noted herein that the ALC loops and AGC loops
may be set manually rather than automatically by predicting a
received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value, though the process
of doing so may be tedious and/or difficult as compared to the
generation and use of the lookup table.
[0084] In this regard, call linking time and traffic throughout for
an ALE linked call may be optimized. The optimization of data rate
may allow for determining a data rate that both radios 404 may work
with, based on issues in the surrounding environment including, but
not limited to, SNR. The optimization of time may allow for faster
data transfer and/or a greater amount of data transfer before
signal fading requiring data rate renegotiation may occur.
[0085] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of at least a portion of
the environment 400, in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the disclosure.
[0086] The environment 400 may include the one or more radios 404.
The one or more radios 404 may transmit data 406, 408.
[0087] The one or more radios 404 may include one or more
controllers 700. The one or more controllers 700 may include one or
more processors 702 and memory 704.
[0088] The memory 704 may store one or more sets of program
instructions 706. The one or more processors 702 may be configured
to execute the one or more sets of program instructions 706 to
carry out one or more of the various steps described throughout the
present disclosure.
[0089] The memory 704 may include one or more tools 708 for
analyzing one or more sets of data processing. For example, the one
or more sets of data processing may include the lookup table 600.
For instance, the one or more sets of data processing may include a
prepopulated lookup table 600. In addition, the one or more sets of
data processing may include a lookup table 600 generated via one or
more over-the-air measurements.
[0090] The one or more controllers 700 may include one or more
communication interfaces 710. The one or more controllers 700 may
include one or more user interfaces 712. The one or more user
interfaces 712 may include one or more display devices 714. The one
or more user interfaces 712 may include one or more user input
devices 716.
[0091] Although embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate
the one or more controllers 700 and the one or more user interfaces
712 being separate, it is noted herein the one or more controllers
700 and the one or more user interfaces 712 may be housed in a
common housing. Therefore, the above description should not be
interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an
illustration.
[0092] The one or more processors 702 may include any one or more
processing elements known in the art. In this sense, the one or
more processors 702 may include any microprocessor device
configured to execute algorithms and/or program instructions. In
general, the term "processor" may be broadly defined to encompass
any device having one or more processing elements, which execute a
set of program instructions from a non-transitory memory medium
(e.g., the memory 704), where the one or more sets of program
instructions 706 are configured to cause the one or more processors
702 to carry out any of one or more process steps.
[0093] The memory 704 may include any storage medium known in the
art suitable for storing the one or more sets of program
instructions 706 executable by the associated one or more
processors 702. For example, the memory 704 may include a
non-transitory memory medium. For instance, the memory 704 may
include, but is not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM), a random
access memory (RAM), a magnetic or optical memory device (e.g.,
disk), a magnetic tape, a solid state drive, and the like. The
memory 704 may be configured to provide display information to the
one or more display devices 714. In addition, the memory 704 may be
configured to store user input information from the one or more
user input devices 716. The memory 704 may be housed in a common
controller housing with the one or more processors 702. The memory
704 may, alternatively or in addition, be located remotely with
respect to the spatial location of the processors 702, the one or
more controllers 700 and/or the one or more controllers 700. For
instance, the one or more processors 702, the one or more
controllers 700, and/or the one or more controllers 700 may access
a remote memory 704 (e.g., server), accessible through a network
(e.g., internet, intranet, and the like) via one or more
communication interfaces.
[0094] The one or more communication interfaces 710 may be
operatively configured to communicate with one or more components
of the one or more controllers 700 and/or the one or more
components of the one or more controllers 700. For example, the one
or more communication interfaces 710 may also be coupled (e.g.,
physically, electrically, and/or communicatively) with the one or
more processors 702 to facilitate data transfer between components
of the one or more components of the one or more controllers 700
and/or the one or more components of the one or more controllers
700 and the one or more processors 702. For instance, the one or
more communication interfaces 710 may be configured to retrieve
data from the one or more processors 702, or other devices,
transmit data for storage in the memory 704, retrieve data from
storage in the memory 704, or the like. By way of another example,
the one or more controllers 700 and/or one or more offboard
controllers may be configured to receive and/or acquire data or
information from other systems or tools by a transmission medium
that may include wireline and/or wireless portions. By way of
another example, the one or more controllers 700 and/or the one or
more offboard controllers may be configured to transmit data or
information (e.g., the output of one or more procedures of the
inventive concepts disclosed herein) to one or more systems or
tools by a transmission medium that may include wireline and/or
wireless portions (e.g., a transmitter, receiver, transceiver,
physical connection interface, or any combination). In this regard,
the transmission medium may serve as a data link between the one or
more controllers 700 and/or the one or more offboard controllers
and the other subsystems (e.g., of the aircraft 402). In addition,
the one or more controllers 700 and/or the one or more offboard
controllers may be configured to send data to external systems via
a transmission medium (e.g., network connection).
[0095] Although the present disclosure is directed to the one or
more controllers 700 and the one or more controllers 700 being
separate, it is noted herein the one or more controllers 700 and
the one or more controllers 700 may be the same and/or share select
components. Therefore, the above description should not be
interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an
illustration.
[0096] The one or more display devices 714 may include any display
device known in the art. For example, the one or more display
devices 714 may include, but are not limited to, a liquid crystal
display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) based display, an
organic light-emitting diode (OLED) based display, an
electroluminescent display (ELD), an electronic paper (E-ink)
display, a plasma display panel (PDP), a display light processing
(DLP) display, a cathode-ray tube (CRT), or the like. Those skilled
in the art should recognize that a variety of display devices 714
may be suitable for implementation in the present invention and the
particular choice of display device may depend on a variety of
factors, including, but not limited to, form factor, cost, and the
like. In a general sense, any display device capable of integration
with the user input device (e.g., touchscreen, bezel mounted
interface, keyboard, mouse, trackpad, and the like) is suitable for
implementation in the present invention.
[0097] The one or more user input devices 716 may include any user
input device known in the art. For example, the one or more user
input devices 716 may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard,
a keypad, a touchscreen, a lever, a knob, a scroll wheel, a track
ball, a switch, a dial, a sliding bar, a scroll bar, a slide, a
handle, a touch pad, a paddle, a steering wheel, a joystick, a
bezel input device, or the like. In the case of a touchscreen
interface, those skilled in the art should recognize that a large
number of touchscreen interfaces may be suitable for implementation
in the present invention. For instance, the one or more display
devices 714 may be integrated with a touchscreen interface, such
as, but not limited to, a capacitive touchscreen, a resistive
touchscreen, a surface acoustic based touchscreen, an infrared
based touchscreen, or the like. In a general sense, any touchscreen
interface capable of integration with the display portion of a
display device is suitable for implementation in the present
invention. In another embodiment, the input devices may include,
but is not limited to, a bezel mounted interface.
[0098] Although embodiments of the present disclosure are directed
to the one or more display devices 714 being indirectly coupled to
the corresponding one or more user input devices 716 indirectly
(e.g., via the one or more controllers 700 and/or the one or more
controllers 700), it is noted herein the one or more display
devices 714 may be directly coupled to the corresponding one or
more user input devices 716. For example, the one or more display
devices 714 may be housed with the one or more user input devices
716 in a common user interface housing. Therefore, the above
description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the
present disclosure but merely an illustration.
[0099] Although inventive concepts have been described with
reference to the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing
figures, equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein
without departing from the scope of the claims. Components
illustrated and described herein are merely examples of a
system/device and components that may be used to implement
embodiments of the inventive concepts and may be replaced with
other devices and components without departing from the scope of
the claims. Furthermore, any dimensions, degrees, and/or numerical
ranges provided herein are to be understood as non-limiting
examples unless otherwise specified in the claims.
* * * * *